The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at a crossroads as they weigh their options in the tight end position. With the recent struggles of Irv Smith, Jr., and the looming NFL Trade Deadline on Tuesday, the Bengals must decide whether to stick with their current lineup or make a move to bolster their tight end room.

Smith, who was signed to a one-year contract this offseason, has failed to live up to expectations thus far. In Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, Smith had a mixed performance. While he achieved his best day as a Bengal with four receptions for 25 yards, he also had a costly fumble that ended a potential scoring drive. His overall performance graded just 45.0 according to Pro Football Focus, making him one of the lowest-rated offensive players in the game.

The Bengals' tight end situation becomes even more concerning when considering the performance of their other options. Drew Sample and Mitchell Wilcox also received low grades from Pro Football Focus, leaving the Bengals in a precarious position.

Options within the Bengals' roster include promoting Tanner Hudson from the practice squad. Hudson showed promise earlier in the season when he filled in for Smith, accumulating four receptions for 48 yards in two games, including a long pass play of 26 yards.

However, if the Bengals decide to pursue external options, several names have emerged as potential trade targets. One standout candidate is Zach Ertz, the former Philadelphia Eagle who recently joined the Arizona Cardinals. Although Ertz is currently on injured reserve with a quad strain and would not be eligible to return until Week 12, he has proven to be a reliable tight end, amassing 27 receptions for 187 yards and a touchdown this season.

Other potential trade targets include Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki, both of whom currently play for the New England Patriots. Henry has recorded 23 catches for 238 yards and two touchdowns, while Gesicki has contributed 19 receptions for 160 yards and one score. The Indianapolis Colts' Mo Alie-Cox is also mentioned as a possible option, despite falling out of favor with his team.

A reunion with former Bengal Hayden Hurst, now with the Carolina Panthers, could also be considered. Hurst has struggled in his new team, with just 14 receptions and a minimal role in the last two games. However, his previous contributions in the playoffs last year, along with his impressive career drop rate of 2.6%, make him a compelling option for Cincinnati.

With the NFL Trade Deadline fast approaching, the Bengals have limited time to make a decision. The tight end position remains a pressing concern, and the team must weigh their options carefully to ensure offensive productivity moving forward.

As the Bengals contemplate their next move, the fate of their tight end room hangs in the balance. Will they stick with Smith and their current roster, or will they make a trade to secure a more reliable option? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - the Bengals must act swiftly to address this pressing issue.